News From The Hills: Anticipation

I got up very early this morning to turn off my Crock-Pot. I have been cooking back-to-back, nights and days, for Rosh Hashanah and Sukkos in Israel. I prepare the recipe, put it in the Crock-Pot, and leave it on low all night. In the morning, I package it, rinse out the pot, and put the next recipe in. This makes it almost effortless to cook in advance. It makes me feel like I’m really accomplishing something.

At this time of the year, as we become more introspective, we all like to feel accomplished, whether at work, at home, in our relationships, or, of course, spiritually. Sometimes, a comment by a child surprises me with how spiritually incisive it is. And the child doesn’t always realize how profound it is. But I get nachas hearing that all they have been taught made an impression on them.

Going to Israel is always exciting, but even more so when I feel the enthusiasm of my grandchildren who are joining us this year. One granddaughter is making her first trip there, and I am looking forward to showing her some sights. Another granddaughter just left for seminary and the others who are coming have been there before. Needless to say, my grandchildren in Israel are waiting anxiously for us. I am amazed and touched that all these kids want to spend time with us. Of course, they think we’re going to be rocking all day and night. I hope we can keep up with them!

Upcoming Events

Selichos at the Queens Jewish Center, 66-05 108th Street in Forest Hills, on motzaei Shabbos, September 1. It begins at 10:15 p.m. with an introduction to Selichos by Rabbi Shmuel Moskovits, maggid shiur at the QJC and YI of Queens Valley. Selichos service follows at 10:45 p.m., led by Chazzan Robert Vegh, acclaimed for his melodious and inspirational davening. For information, call 718-459-8432, email office@MyQJC.org, or visit myqjc.org/event/Selichos-2018.

13th Annual Labor Day Barbecue in support of Avigdor’s Helping Hand, Sunday, September 2 at 7 p.m. at the Moradi residence, 72 Muriel Avenue in Lawrence. Donation required. Sponsored in memory of Mr. David Kuppermann by Mrs. Ann Kuppermann. Catering by Michael Schick.

YCQ Welcomes Rabbi Hershel Schachter for a weekly shiur on Maseches Yevamos. Tuesday nights beginning September 4, 8–9 p.m. at YCQ. The first shiur will be about the Yomim Nora’im.

Debate between James Quinn from the Queen’s DA’s office and Councilman Rory Lancman regarding Rikers Island closing. September 5 at the YI of KGH at 7:45 p.m.

Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Mark Dratch at QJC. Shabbos Shuvah, September 14–15, Rabbi Dratch, executive VP of the Rabbinical Council of America, will speak at a Friday-night catered dinner following davening on the topic of “Holding Our Leaders Accountable.” (Davening at 6:58 p.m.) Cost of dinner: $30 for QJC members; $34 for not-yet-members; children age 3–12, half price. RSVP by Thursday, September 6. Dessert and presentation open to all, at approximately 9 pm. On Shabbos, at 9 a.m. minyan, Rabbi Dratch will give the derashah “Al Tikre: Intentional Misreadings — and the Rabbi Won’t Correct You,” followed by a special Kiddush. Rabbi Dratch will also give the Shabbos Shuvah derashah following 6:35 p.m. Minchah on the topic of “Baruch Shem Kevod — The Song of Angels: Halachic and Philosophical Notes.” RSVP by phone: 718-459-8432; email: office@MyQJC.org; or online: myqjc.org/event/Rabbi-Mark-Dratch-SIR-2018.

Chazaq presents Dr. David Pelcovitz on “Maintaining Our Values In a Digital Age.” Sunday, September 16 at 8:30 p.m. Lecture will take place at the Young Israel of Forest Hills, 7100 Yellowstone Blvd. For men and women. For more information, call 718-285-9132 or email events@chazaq.org.

Queens Jewish Center Community Meals in the Sukkah, to help those without a sukkah fulfill the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah. Meals are catered by Wasserman’s and are provided on: Sunday, September 23 — dinner; Monday, September 24 — communal lunch and dinner; Tuesday, September 25 — lunch; Friday, September 28 — dinner; and Saturday, September 29 — lunch. Early-bird special prices per meal are $28 for QJC members, $34 for not-yet-members, and kids (4–11) half-price. Must RSVP by Friday, September 7. Thereafter, prices per meal are $30 for QJC members, $36 for not-yet-members, and kids (4–11) half-price. Final RSVP is Monday, September 17 by noon. Meals are provided rain or shine and are nonrefundable. Reservations to be accompanied by payment. Call 718-459-8432, email office@MyQJC.org, or reserve online at myqjc.org/event/Sukkah-Meals-2018.

Meeting at Queens Borough Hall to enable the community to speak up about the closing of Rikers Island and the opening of the jail behind the courthouse on 82nd Avenue in Kew Gardens. September 26 at 6 p.m.

Chanita Teitz is a real-estate broker at Astor Brokerage in Kew Gardens Hills, serving the entire Queens vicinity. For all your real-estate needs, call her at 718-263-4500 or email chanita@astorbrokerage.com.